Media Contact: Evan Swarztrauber, (202) 418-2261 evan.swarztrauber@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC Approves Order to Modernize Wireless Infrastructure Deployment Projected to Save Americans Nearly $1.6 Billion, Create 17,000 Jobs WASHINGTON, March 22, 2018—Today, the FCC adopted an order that will modernize the agency’s approach to the deployment of wireless broadband infrastructure, including the small cells that will be necessary for next-generation 5G networks. The order, spearheaded by Commissioner Brendan Carr, will encourage the deployment of wireless facilities by exempting them from certain federal historic and environmental reviews. A recent study by Accenture projects that these reforms will save Americans $1.56 billion over the next eight years, which in turn could create 17,000 jobs and result in over 55,000 new wireless deployments. “Winning the global race to 5G, and ensuring that more Americans get access to more broadband is a top priority,” said Commissioner Brendan Carr. “That’s why I am glad the FCC adopted my proposal to modernize our infrastructure deployment rules, and am pleased to see the broad coalition of groups that support this decision. 5G won’t just mean faster broadband, it will support the next wave of American entrepreneurship and innovation—everything from smart cities to remote surgery to the Internet of Things. Whether you live in a big city or a rural town, broadband is key to economic opportunity and job creation. Outdated federal regulations shouldn’t be what stands in the way of connectivity for any community. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and all stakeholders on these efforts.” ### Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr: (202) 418-2200 ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275 TTY: (888) 835-5322 Twitter: @BrendanCarrFCC www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).